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Batla House: An Encounter That Shook the Nation

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September 2008: A series of ghastly bomb blasts shakes Delhi. Following investigations, a special cell of Delhi Police raids Flat no. 108 in Batla House. The instructions for the team were Raid the flat and catch the suspected terrorists alive. What followed, however, was an encounter that stirred a political storm, instigated a witch-hunt, divided public opinion and remains a raging controversial topic in the media even today.
Karnal Singh, the officer who spearheaded the operations in Batla House, narrates a mesmerizing minute-by-minute account of the chain of events leading up to the encounter that shook the nation. Weaving together inputs by the Intelligence Bureau (IB), multiple strands of events in various Indian cities, the labyrinth of information by local intelligence and informers, Singh creates an intriguing tale of an encounter that marked the beginning of the end of the obscure and dreaded Indian Mujahideen (IM). This is a definitive account of the day that will live in infamy forever.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2020

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Karnal Singh

2 books4 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Ashish Iyer.
899 reviews667 followers
January 9, 2021
A must read this book if want to know the reality of Batla House encounter. It’s also great book to know about Indian Mujahideen, its origin and role of the encounter in controlling operations. The inside story is sometimes much more raw, much more uncensored and less people-friendly. This book help us to clear the confusion created by negative media as we know they are TRP hungry. A lot of the good work gets subsumed into bad publicity, which is the mischief of a few, and it's the negative incidents that people remember. The amount of pressure police has to go though while handling terror cases is overwhelmingly intimidating. As I was reading I realized how political parties try their best to appeased special community. It’s really boils our blood to see how these political parties make these police officers as their football. Even there was this 'supreme leader' from old party of India. One member of her party said that she wept bitterly when Batla house encounter happened. That kind of society we live in. Writer pieces together the details, narrates behind-the-scene manoeuvres, and carefully constructs the psyche of the perpetrators and the backdrop, weaves together a fantastic and powerful tale.

I personally loved the way the book was filled upto the brim with information and comprehension. The author did not hesitate to expose the truth. Narration in form of a memoir didn't felt formal at all and there wasn't any dull moment in the entire book rather it was quite a bold and adventurous read. I also applaud our police officers for their courage, determination, dedication and loyalty to work for the nation. Left-liberals declared it fake. Sonia Gandhi cried. Communist party, Mamta, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav & Kejriwal raised questions. Jamia University teachers protested. But all went silent when Batla House terrorist Sajid joined ISIS. Now, another Batla terrorist Ariz Khan gets death sentence by court

P.S. – I actually saw the movie first. Now I read this nonfiction book. I realized how that movie reminds me of Bollywood script written by Salim-Javed in 70’s and 80’s. I recommend you to read the book. Actual facts are there, no non sense.
Profile Image for Nishu Thakur.
147 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2020
Just three days back, Indian Mujahideen terrorist Ariz Khan, has been convicted in the killing of a police officer in the 2008 Batla House encounter in Delhi. This book is well documented of how investigator goes through while investigating the case. And how can i forget how left leaning media, Sonia Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Mamta, Mayawati, Digvijay Singh called it fake encounter. Never forgive, Never forget. We need more books like this to educate ourselves and know the reality, otherwise these people will keep on making us fool. I should thank Karnal Singh for writing this book. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Ishani.
107 reviews33 followers
December 30, 2020
It was the beginning of the end of one of the most dreaded terrorist gangs against India, IM.

Though the title says Batla House, the book is more than that. It starts with the Delhi serial blasts of 2008 and then goes in 3 parts.

The first deals with intelligence gathering by Delhi Police from locals and from cross-inputs from Police of states across the country. This was a massive chase & the author gives in an day to day details of how & why they narrowed down on Batla House.

The second part of the book is on the actual encounter of Batla House and it’s aftermath - with the media and with the court verdicts. Delhi Police being quite confident and thorough with their work, they repeatedly handled media through press conferences with all details. Problem erupted when they were asked NOT TO do that just because all terrorists belong to a community. The crackdown continued in other places of Delhi and with lack of clear information coming in, media went haywire and every rumor and tea time gossip became headlines.

It goes to the credit of Delhi Police as they went to each and every “BIG HEADS” raising questions with all their reports and explained everything. Whether those BIG HEADS were happy or not, but after all the evidences they could no longer make statements against the encounter in public.

The last and probably the MOST important part of the book - this is where Karnail Singh summarizes the rise and fall of IM, how all outfits (JuHI, LeT) were supporting each other. Someone or the other from this or that group causing this or that explosion was connected to each other. 2007 -2008 the country faced attacks one after the other. The book describes everything in details and narrates a picture of how each and everything was planned , when and where.

When you have done your work thoroughly and when there is nothing to hide, everything eventually falls in place. Delhi HC, NHRC, SC all gave unanimous verdicts in favor of the Delhi Police. Malafide PILs & Petitions were squashed by the courts.

The Batla House encounter was not the end. There were 2 absconding from Batla House, who kept on causing unrest across the country. But the country’s police NEVER STOPPED and gave in. The Delhi Police Special Cell, IB and many other state polices’ ATS, kept on relentlessly chasing the remaining terrorists and finally the last member of the Delhi serial blasts and member of IM was nabbed in 2018.

This book is highly recommended.
Profile Image for Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ).
2,488 reviews95 followers
October 24, 2020
Book Title: Batla House
Author: Karnal Singh
Format: Kindle

My Thoughts:
I have recently watched the Bollywood actor John Abraham acted movie, Batla House a week before reading the book. As one says, imagination is sometimes very much thrilling than a visual treat. It is proven right after reading the book. The movie and the book, based on the facts and figures, but some drama added in the film made look the whole encounter a little dramatised. It so happened that I am lucky enough to read the book. As I was reading every chapter, because I have already seen the movie, it was easy for me to identify the places, people, names and situations. It was a surreal experience in reading the book.

The book, written by President Police Medal awardee, Karnal Singh (1984 batch IPS officer) is a treat to the readers and lovers of non-fiction and hero tales. He also headed the Delhi Police Special Cell from the year January 2003 to December 2008. He was also a critical officer who lead the investigations of the 2008 Delhi Blasts that led to the Batla House encounter. He has dedicated this book in honour of Late Sh. Mohan Chand Sharma (Inspector) and other unsung heroes who lost their lives fighting against terrorism.

The efforts taken in writing this book is terrific. The book is undoubtedly captivating. The book explains the chain of events that initiated the eradication of the dreaded Indian Mujahideen (IM) terrorist organisation from India, where the conduct of politicians and all agencies is discussed in detail. There is so much that can be learnt about the Indian Police, Delhi Police Department and the Special Forces Cell that usually deals with such operations.

The book, in detail, gives insider information about the operation. The book also very nicely depicts the frustration, anger, confidence, strength and duty minded individual's lives from the Police Department. Though the book comes under the non-fiction category, because of so many interlinked events, the book is as good as a fast-paced cop thriller.

What to expect from the book
In this book, author Karnal Singh narrates and explains the readers a particular incident when following the encounter that happened in the year 2008, at the Batla House. The book in details describes the shootout between members of Delhi Police Special Cell and Indian Mujahideen terrorists in September 2008.

How good is the author's writing style
The book is based on a real incident that happened in the year 2008. As there is no scope of misleading or false information to be given, the author, Karnal Singh, has stated every fact at its most faithful best. This honest writing is a recommended read by everyone in the country to understand the grit and feats a police officer has to exercise to maintain and balance the harmony.

In the book, author Karnal Singh with due respect for the Policemen who worked hard on the case and to some of them who lost lives has presented this piece of work as a tribute. Instead of saying ' the author's style', the intent of writing this book is the most respectable aspect.

In the book, the facts and thoughts in a chronological manner without dramatisation are well presented. The simple and lucid language that can be understood by a reader of any age or a non-reader who wants to know about the incident can read the book very effortlessly. The writing is so good that one can understand the detailed work an investigative or a special cell does. The footnotes explaining the not so common words and technical words are worth mentioning.

How entertaining is the book
This book by author Karnal Singh, an IPS 0fficer of Delhi Police is an excellent piece of work. The action sequences mentioned in the book are so well detailed and described that they give absolute chills. The information, facts and figures in the book are so well accurate that every reader will be mesmerised with the action episodes in the book.

With excellent writing, the book is a must-read. It very well illustrates the valour and role of the Delhi Police and the Special Cell that worked on this case.

Final Verdict
An extremely captivating and chilling story

Rating
5/5









Profile Image for Bhawna Sharma.
129 reviews
April 7, 2026
India is the only country where terrorist sympathizers are ready to defend them with statements like "students, bhatka hua yuva, gareebi ka mara, sataya hua..."
And if police prove they are terrorists, some politicians, lawyers, and humanitarians fight their cases and keep them alive for approx. 20 years.

Points from the book:
->Home Ministry did not want police talking to media about the investigation. Political circles were upset about details against terrorists from the minority community.
->They raised complaints about injustice to Muslims.
->Mamata Banerjee believed the encounter was fake and the terror accused were targeted because of their religion.
->Amar Singh from Samajwadi Party made allegations against police when Mohan sir(Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma) was killed during the encounter, he said, "Goli chahe kisi ki lagi ho, mare toh..." - sheer disrespect to the sacrifice.
->Digvijay Singh, senior Congress leader, demanded an inquiry into the encounter's authenticity.

Aren't these the same people who wrote a book just days after 26/11, claiming without proof that it was the work of "Hindu terror"? Did they wait for an inquiry? Were there any proofs? Who were the actual terrorists? Any book? Anything? Nah, we are not their favorites.

This is a good book to read for more details on the Batla House encounter,how politicians sideline national security and duty to appease terrorists for their vote bank.
So many people were killed when these terrorists bombed so many places. Police officers were shot dead trying to catch them.
Until there's court-admissible proof, they call them poor victims being framed. Even after proof, they keep fighting to save them.
Profile Image for Meenal.
1,121 reviews28 followers
January 4, 2021
This book is informative. It's a must-read to know the reality of daily duties discharged by police officers tackling the menace of terrorism, and their dedication to keeping the nation safe.

It also highlights how Muslim youth are radicalized into terror--educated or uneducated, from small towns or big cities alike.

It's written in very simplistic language, explaining the events in detail, so that people of all reading comforts can understand what happened.

My salute to martyr Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma and all officers of the Delhi Police Special Cell.

Thanks to Karnal ji for writing this book.
1 review
March 11, 2021
100% based on facts. Love it and salute to the law officers in India

This is a really amazing facts telling story. Salute a real heroes of India. Mera Bharat Mahan Tha, hai, rahega
Profile Image for Enakshi J..
Author 8 books58 followers
December 26, 2020

What happened in 2008 would have remained a mystery or a half-baked truth had this book not come out in the public domain. Just like how Praveen Teotia wrote a heart-wrenching account of his deadly encounter with the terrorists in the Taj, Karnal Singh, the officer-in-charge of the raid in Flat no. 18, Batla House, pens down a spine chilling thriller that narrates the actual events that led to this encounter. Several lives were risked and blood was shed too. This event is still remembered for the political bigotry and the influence of the top organizations. Yet, in spite of so much that can instigate the readers, the author maintains an unprejudiced narrative that has the sole purpose of revealing the course of events on that fateful day.
Read the full review here: https://aliveshadow.com/category-book...
22 reviews
September 2, 2021
A fast paced real thriller

The book covers one of the most controversial encounters in Indian history. It is written like a fast paced crime thriller, the difference is all these things happened in real. The book celebrate unsung heroes of police department in fight against terrorism. Author have made sure to include each and every character name from constable rank to DCP rank. It focuses on the police team than hero, like we see in bollywood movies. The speed with which Delhi 2008 serial bomb blast case was solved is an amazing feat of the police force.

The book delves into the details of what transpired which lead to the Batla House encounter. It also sheds light on why Inspector Mohan was not wearing a bullet proof jacket at time of encounter with terrorists?

It shows how media makes a perception about a topic and then final results doesnt matter to public. The book educate readers about the government support to police team even when political pressure was against them. Police were targeted wrongly by the politician that this was a fake encounter and victims were killed because of their religion.

Towards the end, author goes into the details of origin of Indian Mujahideen and how different modules came into picture. How Delhi bomb blast was their beginning of end, role of Bhatkal brothers in arranging explosives.

Only point which I found author skipped was the famous statement by Sonia Gandhi on Batla House, that "she cried after hearing the news of Batla House encounter". He should have included it as he included a lot of politician name and how they accused the police.

Overall strongly recommended, the book present a much better picture of police functioning than a typical masala Bollywood movie. Karnal singh has done full justice by highlighting every aspect of stress police personal faces during their duty ranging from facing terrorists to NHRC to media trial and civil society always questioning them. Job of police is well summarized in one of the conversation of Karnal singh with his daughter where she says " Dad, you are in such a thankless job, as everyone out there want to crucify you for fighting terrorists".

Profile Image for Dipankar Bhadra.
769 reviews70 followers
April 29, 2025
This book is about the Batla House encounter, where Delhi Police engaged in a big operation to catch members of the terrorist group, Indian Mujahideen. The book is divided into three parts. The first part talks about how Delhi Police gathered intelligence from different sources to track down the terrorists at Batla House. The second part describes the actual encounter and how the media and courts reacted to it. The last part explains the connection between various terrorist outfits and how they were all working together. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Delhi Police continued their efforts to capture the terrorists involved in the Delhi serial blasts. In the end, they were successful in catching the last remaining member of the terror group in 2018.

The author's writing style is honest and straightforward, presenting the facts of the Batla House encounter in a clear and concise manner. The book is both informative and entertaining, with action sequences that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, an excellent piece of work that pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the Delhi Police and Special Cell officers involved in the case. Highly recommended for those looking for a gripping and informative read.
Profile Image for Sankalp.
32 reviews
December 30, 2021
This book chronicles how the Delhi Special Cell tracked down and dismantled the Indian Mujahideen (IM), a fundamentalist Islamist group that was responsible for setting off bombs that martyred 239 and injuries to 765 innocent people between 2004 and 2008 across the various metros of Bharat, following the shootout at Batla house in October 2008. The author does a fantastic job connecting the dots on the cooperation between the various militant/fundamentalist groups from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kashmir (e.g. LeT, HuJI, SIMI, Hizbul Mujahideen), summarizing the origins of IM, and walking the reader through how the evidence got pieced together. It was difficult to read this book dispassionately, especially the parts describing how the heroes of the Delhi Special Cell were treated like criminals and accused of faking the encounter by certain politicians and "activist" groups just to extract some political mileage. I'm normally a slow reader but this one was a page turner!
1 review
November 3, 2023
Unsung heroes

True picture of events ,heroic sacrifices and description of murky politics and politicians and also of steadfast politicians .salute to late Mohan Sharma and sincerely appreciate the work of shri karnal Singh and his team.we are alive because of your heroic deeds which we could know because of such books like this one.nation remains grateful to you all.


261 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2025
For a book with a gripping title and a subject that should be riveting, Batla House by Karnal Singh isn't exactly the most exciting read.

Its not bad, persay, if topics like this interest you and you want to read it just to understand what happened. But from a literary perspective, it lacks story telling, good writing and a general ability to elicit any sort of emotions.
Profile Image for Manoj Prabhu.
69 reviews
June 20, 2026
A real eye opener on the Batla House Encounter of 2008. Minute by minute description takes you to the actual scenarios unfolded during the encounter. A big salute to the brave inspector Mr. Mohan Sharma. RIP Sir.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews